The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes through the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival paid a working visit to the Office of the State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, Oyo State, Mr. Odoba Abel Oche.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes team was lead by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Central Committee.
Delivering the goodwill message of the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola stated that the exceptional leadership style and the good work the NYSC State Coordinator has reached the hearing of the President-General, and the Ibadan people, most especially Ibadan being the only Megalopolis city within the Southern Sahara with an Indigenous Secretariat where issues that concerns both Indigenes and residents of the city are been attended to.
The Chairman highlighted the activities that make up Ibadan Cultural Festival, which aimed at celebrating the cultural heritage and upholding the legacies of our ancestors, which has been modified to feature other developmental activities like Youth Empowerment and Development, which was what necessitated the visit, to commend the State Coordinator on the good work he’s doing in the State, and also for possible future collaboration between Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and the State NYSC on Youth Employment and Development.
The Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on behalf of the President -General, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole informed the State Coordinator that despite being a non-indigene, he has been nominated for special recognition and award of honour during the Cultural Festival in recognition of his tremendous contribution to youth development in Ibadanland . It will be recalled that this is the first time such honour will be bestowed on the NYSC and her State Coordinator in the history.
The visiting team were received by the State Coordinator alongside Mrs Christy Olatoye; Assistant Director on Press & Public Relations, Dr. Solomon Babalola; Assistant Director on Protocol, Mr Kola Oladele – Media Officer, and other NYSC State official.
In his response, Mr Odoba Abbel Oche profoundly appreciated the Council for finding him worthy of the visit, and most importantly the conferment of award, as he reiterated his commitment to the welfare and development of corps members in the State.
“I profoundly appreciate you for this visit, my appreciation goes to the leadership of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes. People are remember for what they contribute and not what they consume”
“Ibadan deserves a State, I have being to many places but I can say that Ibadan stand out, including the people, they are accomodating which makes our work here easier, different Ibadan people have been supporting us in the welfare of corps members, as we have being receiving donation of buildings for the use of corps members”
In his closing remark, the State Coordinator affirmed that Ibadan is peaceful, and he has being enjoying robust cooperation from both the Staff and the host community, and stated that his door is open anytime for issues concerning the city as it relate to his office.
On the entourage of the Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola were Engr. Musa Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Mogaji Ismail Sodeinde; 1st Assistant Secretary-General of CCII & Chairman Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization Sub-committee, Mr. Adebisi; Immediate past Auditor General of CCII, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Sub-committee, Mrs Oluwatoyin; Member Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization & ‘Kayode Ajani; Member Media & Secretary, Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Sub-committee.